Abbaye d'Alet-les-Bains[aletlesbains]

Abbaye Sainte-Marie d'Alet (more commonly known as the Abbey of Alet les Bains), is situated between the Aude river and the Pyrenees mountains in the heart of Cathar country.

The abbey is considered by some to be the most beautiful ruin in France.

To see:
Resplendent in its mountainside setting, the ruined abbey is characterized by warm colors that soak up the sun.

Of the original abbey, remains of two towers can still be seen, St. Michael's Tower (north) and Notre-Dame Tower (south).

The small chancel is well-preserved. The pillar capitals are ornately decorated with vegetation and geometric patterns.

Specialities

To the north of the church is the Romanesque chapter house, with interesting motifs on its capitals.

Other attractions of the town of Alet-les-Bains include a natural spa and medieval houses, including one in which Nostradamus may have lived.

Founded circa 813 AD and consecrated to the Virgin Mary, the monks of the abbey adopted the Benedictine rule. The abbey was damaged by the attacks of the count of Carcassone in the 11th century, but survived due to its relics of the True Cross which attracted pilgrims. Repair and further construction were undertaken in the latter 12th century, including the addition of defensive walls and trenches in 1197.

In 1318, became a cathedral. A Gothic choir was added. In 1577, the abbey was destroyed by Protestants during the Wars of Religion. It was never completely rebuilt, and what remained of the abbey was further destroyed in 1792.

Language(s):

Opening Abbaye d'Alet-les-Bains:

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12 april to 30 june - From 10:00 to 12:30 and from 14:30 to 18:00
- 01 july to 31 august - From 10:00 to 12:30 and from 14:30 to 19:00
- 01 september to 31 october - From 10:00 to 12:30 and from 14:30 to 18:00

Limoux is best known for its sparkling wine, Blanquette de Limoux. This is reputed to be the oldest sparkling wine in France and dates back to 1531 when Benedictine monks from Saint Hilaire Abbey discovered that the wine they had laid down had fermented and formed bubbles. This was the beginning of Limoux’s bubbly - the Blanquette de Limoux which was the first AOC to be created in the Languedoc area. The process (the locals say) was stolen by Dom Perignon who went on to create ‘champagne‘. however the Limoux sparkling wine is a very high quality champagne substitute and Crémant, which was developed in 1990, has a top class reputation. Now a prestigious event attracting buyers from all over the world, “Toques & Clochers” puts up for auction the most promising barrels of AOC Limoux. A share of the proceeds are then used to finance the renovation of bell towers in surrounding villages. Every year the auction is hosted by one of France’s great chefs popularly referred to as a “Toques”, the traditional white chef’s hat....

Blanquette de Limoux

History tells us that Blanquette de Limoux, the world's first sparkling wine,
dates as far back as 1531. At the time, the monks of the Benedictine abbey of
Saint-Hilaire, near Limoux, were producing a somewhat unusual white wine in
their cellars. Inside its glass flask, with a cork top - very rare for wines at
this time - it acquired a natural sparkle. This was the forefather of the brut
which is tasted today at the world's most prestigious tables. Since they first
started cultivating vines, the growers of Limoux have aimed at maintaining the
originality of the Blanquette de Limoux growth and developing its quality. The
region's surrounding hills protect it from the extremes of the Mediterranean and
Atlantic climates, with the area enjoying a microclimate particularly suitable
for making quality white wine. The vines classified in the appellation are
always planted at the top of southern-facing slopes, giving the best exposure.
The soil here is shallow and sparse, full of chalk and stone....

This listed 16th century chateau is located on extensive grounds on the banks of the River Aude. The ancient fortress-turned-hotel subtly blends medieval tradition with modern confort - and it has an excellent restaurant too (it is important that you reserve a table in advance). The house was built by Jean de Joyeuse, first Governor of Narbonne and Lieutenant General in Languedoc, between 1540 and 1550, and his son, Guillaume III assumed the job of completing this magnificant chateau after he died. With a beautiful courtyard where one can dine in the summer months, the castle is a very special place to stay. With a swimming pool and tennis court, the hotel is a perfect base to combine relaxation with good food. Close to Cathares and 30 km to Carcassonne, there many cathedrals and historic monuments to visit. The Chateau does not have an elevator, so if you have a problem with stairs this may not be the best choice for you....

Campsite Le Val d'Aleth

This family-friendly little campsite is located at the edge of the river Aude in a medieval village. This year-round site features new heated reception and wash facilities and is suitable for handicapped guests. The site is just 30 minutes from Carcassone and is ideally located for visits to the castles of Cathar Country. Guest rooms are available to rent. Restaurants and shops can be found in the village and there are great walks nearby as well as canoe hire facilities. On-site mountain bike rental is available....

Alet Eau Vive

Whitewater sur Aude, Alet Eau Vive offers 5 ways to discover activities: Canoe, kayak, Canyoning, Hydrospeed, Rafting...
The upper valley of the Aude in the heart of Cathar country, situated between Carcassonne and Perpignan the Catalan, becomes the ideal destination for the practice of outdoor activities. Rafting can embark on the Aude River the sportiest of the Pyrenees, up to 8 people plus the skipper. The raft is self-bailing, stable operation is to paddle through team building. The raft can learn without risk or specific preparation for the pleasures of living water and the river. Rafting is an English word meaning "raft".
New activity!! Acrobatic Activity course is the best way to move from tree safely tree...

Hostellerie de l’Evêché

30 km away from Carcassonne, the world’s most beautiful medieval city, nestled in the heart of the Cathars country with its castles, you will be greeted at a charming hotel, once the site of an ancient bishop’s palace.The Hostellerie de l’Eveche, with its 30 comfortable rooms, sits on a park of three hectares. Neighboring our rooms, you will enjoy the ruins of the roman abbey, with the Aude River running alongside. L’Hostellerie de l’Eveche will also provide you with a large variety of "rural" gourmet products ("produits du terroir"), mostly homemade on our family estate. You will have the opportunity to savour those products from our range of standard to gourmet’s menus...

Rennes les Bains

In the early days in the Corbières at Rennes-les-Bains, when people were converted they were baptised. This was an essential major ceremony of the new Christianity and had the character of a covenant with God. Baptism washed away sin so one could begin a new life in which salvation and personal enlightenment were assured. Baptisms were whole body immersions and Mary was authorised to perform baptisms, unlike most women of the time. . . . complete immersion, including the hair, was the norm and among the observers, fellow Christians waiting to welcome the newcomer to the fold, one of them was appointed to ensure this complete immersion. The newcomer had to be completely naked. Then he or she was welcomed lovingly, with hugs and kisses, into the new Christian community. Where, 2,000 years ago in the region of Rennes-les-Bains, were there suitable places for whole body baptism? Just outside the town is the Fontaine d'Amours – lover's spring. If you bathe there together, your love will last forever. It's the tiniest mental leap here, from romantic love to everlasting and spiritual love. Did this legend come from the baptism, done in the new loving religion, that took place there, after which people hugged and kissed?..

Hostellerie de Rennes les Bains

Hostellerie de Rennes les Bains situated in Cathar Country. Enjoy your stay at this welcoming, comfortable and very peaceful hotel. The hotel has 6 rooms and 1 suite available, all rooms have private WC, and bathrooms with shower/bath. Adapted for handicapped guests (lift available). The Restaurant provides excellent service and cooking. Rennes les Bains is a spa resort of Roman origins, made famous by Blanche de Castille. Visit the archaeology museum, with objects and remains from the Roman baths (2nd and 3rd centuries)...